Angus confirms he will vote against assisted dying

Angus MacDonald has confirmed that he will vote against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill during its Second Reading in Parliament on Friday, November 29, 2024.

The Private Members’ Bill proposes to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in the UK under strict safeguards, including approval by both a doctor and a judge. However, Mr. MacDonald has expressed serious concerns about the potential impact of the legislation, citing three key reasons for his opposition.

Risk of Family Coercion

Mr. MacDonald raised concerns about vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly, feeling pressured into ending their lives prematurely. “There is a genuine risk that some may feel like a burden to their families or be coerced by unscrupulous relatives with financial motives,” he stated.

Slippery Slope to Broader Criteria

Referencing developments in countries like Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Mr. MacDonald warned that initial safeguards might erode over time. “In Canada, assisted dying now includes chronic conditions and may soon extend to mental health. The Netherlands and Belgium have already legalised euthanasia for children in specific cases. This Bill could mark the start of a dangerous path where the value of life is diminished,” he said.

Strain on NHS and Judicial Resources

The Bill would require doctors and judges to assess applications for assisted dying, raising questions about the system’s capacity to manage this added responsibility. “Our NHS is under immense strain, with care homes closing across the Highlands and hospices reliant on charity funding. The judicial system, too, would face significant pressure to handle life-and-death decisions,” Mr. MacDonald added.

Call for Greater Investment in Palliative Care

Mr. MacDonald emphasised the need to improve end-of-life care rather than introduce assisted dying. “Only a third of hospice costs are covered by government funding, and we’re seeing care home workers earning less than hospitality staff. Instead of legislating for assisted dying, we should focus on investing in palliative care to ensure dignity and support for those in their final months.”

The Bill will be subject to a free vote in Parliament, allowing MPs to vote according to their conscience. While respecting differing views, Mr. MacDonald firmly believes this legislation poses too great a risk to society’s most vulnerable.